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23_Modality & Verbal Compounding

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Grammatical Concept: Modifying Verbs with Verbs

Asaxi allows specific Root Verbs to function as modifiers for other verbs. This process adds layers of Modality (Intent, Ability, Effort) to the main action.

Mechanism A: Prefixing (Mood & Aspect)

The “Auxiliary Root” attaches to the front of the “Main Verb Root.”

  • Formula: [Auxiliary Root] + [Bridge] + [Main Verb]
  • Tense Stacking: Tense and Polarity prefixes wrap around the entire compound.
    • [Tense] + [Neg] + [Aux-Root] + [Main-Root].

1. The Desiderative Mood (jå-)

Derived from jå (to want). Expresses desire to perform an action.

  • Meaning: “Want to [Verb].”
  • Structure: jå + [Verb].
  • Vowel Bridge: If main verb starts with a vowel, insert -x-.

Example:

To wo jåshěsonů. SUBJ 1SG WANT-read “I want to read.”

To wo zènájåxijo. SUBJ 1SG PAST-NEG-WANT-see “I did not want to see.”

2. The Conative Aspect (xè-)

Derived from the exertion component (xè) of xèjå (to try). Expresses the attempt to perform an action.

  • Meaning: “Try to [Verb].”
  • Structure: xè + [Verb].
  • Vowel Bridge: If main verb starts with a vowel, insert -x- (e.g., xè + x + ijo → xèxijo).

Example:

To wo xèshěsonů. SUBJ 1SG TRY-read “I try to read.”

Example (Future Conative):

To wo paxèhaśù. SUBJ 1SG FUT-TRY-run “I will try to run.”

Mechanism B: Post-Positioning & Floating Quantifiers

Certain markers appear after the element they modify. While the Cessative is strictly post-verbal, the Distributive particles can “float” to modify either the Action or specific Arguments.

4. The Cessative Aspect (tomo')

Strictly Post-Verbal. Expresses the cessation of an action.

  • Structure: [Main Verb] + tomo'.
  • Meaning: “Stop [Verbing].”
  • Example: Shěsonů tomo’. (“I stop reading.”)

5. The Distributive Aspect (Floating)

Markers: ojano (General), jonojo (One by one), okonoko (Scattered).

These particles indicate that items or actions are treated individually. Their position determines their Scope.

A. Event Scope (Sentence Final)

  • Position: After the Verb.
  • Target: The Event itself.
  • Meaning: The action happens in separate instances or distinct moments.
  • Example: To wo shěso shěsonů ojano. (“I read books on separate occasions.”)])]

B. Argument Scope (Post-Nominal)

  • Position: Immediately after a Noun (Subject or Object).
  • Target: The specific group of nouns.
  • Meaning: That specific group acts or is acted upon individually.
  • Example: To shějýnshá ojano shěso zèdao. (“The teachers individually gave a book.”)])]

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